Surname Rockett - Meaning and Origin
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Rockett: What does the surname Rockett mean?
The last name Rockett is of Old French origin, derived from the word "roquet," meaning "rock." It was used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, alluding to the color of a rock. It could also refer to someone who was steadfast, reliable, or unbending like a rock. The surname was first found in Lancashire, England, where the family held a family seat from the early Middle Ages. The Rockett family was granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. Like many surnames, variations exist such as the alternately spelled Rock, Rocke, Rocque, and others. It’s also probable the surname refers to individuals who lived near a notable rock or stone, or who came from a place named with this word (like Roque in Normandy or Rocca in Sicily). There are several places in England named from this word, as for example Roche in Cornwall, and this might also have contributed to the development of the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisRockett: Where does the name Rockett come from?
The last name Rockett is not especially common today, however it can be found scattered throughout the United States and beyond.
In the United States, the most significant cluster of Rocketts resides in Florida, with other notable concentrations in the Northeast, in New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Rockett is also especially common in the southern states of Texas and Louisiana. Those surnames can also be found in many other states as well, such as Arizona, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.
In the United Kingdom, the last name Rockett first appeared in Yorkshire in the 13th and 14th centuries. Today, the last name Rockett is mostly found in the Southern England counties of Hampshire, Sussex, and Wiltshire, as well as some other areas, such as Lancashire and the Orkney Islands.
Outside of the United States and the United Kingdom, people with the relatively uncommon last name Rockett tend to be found mainly in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Overall, the last name Rockett is still relatively rare in comparison to other last names, but thanks to modern technology it is easier for those of the same surname to find each other in today's global village.
Variations of the surname Rockett
The surname Rockett has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Rocket, Roké, Roket, Rocker and Rockett. There are also some less common variants such as Roch, Rohke, Rokett, Rockettte, Rockette and Rocquett.
The most widespread variation of the Rockett name is Rocket. It is an Old French variation of the name, derived from the verb ‘rocquer’, meaning ‘to rocket’. This refers to a projectile, specifically one propelled by gunpowder.
Roké is another variant commonly found in France. It can also be spelled as Rouke, Roque or Roque. It is derived from the Old French word ‘roquier’, meaning ‘rocky place’, and is a nickname for someone who lives on a rocky hill.
Roket is an old Norman variation of the name, derived from the medieval male given name ‘Rocal’. It is found in England and is a common variant of Rocket.
Rocker is another variant of the name that is found in Germany, and is derived from the word ‘rocher’, meaning ‘rock’, and is a nickname for a person of a rocky habitation.
Rocquett is another variation of the name and is the French spelling of Rocket. It is found in France and is derived from the verb ‘rocquer’, meaning ‘to rocket’.
Rockettte is a French variation of the name, and is derived from the same verb as Rocquett.
Rockette is a diminutive form of the Rockett surname, derived from the French verb ‘rocqueter’, meaning ‘to roar or yell’. It is a nickname for a loud or aggressive individual.
The surname Rockett can also be found with various other spelling variations, such as Reccet, Rochett, Rockete and Rokette. These variants are less common, but mostly originate from the same root.
Famous people with the name Rockett
- Bill Rockett: is an American film producer and director; known for titles such as Cheaper By the Dozen 2 and Bedtime Stories.
- Chris Rockett: is a former professional motocross racer.
- Dave Rockett: is a competitive rally car driver from the United Kingdom.
- Hari Rockett: is an award-winning actor in India, appearing in films such as Swami and Gulliver’s Travels.
- Kevin Rockett: is an Irish professor of Film Studies at University College Dublin.
- Lauren Rockett: is an American actress, best known for roles in films such as The Big Tease and Who Killed the Electric Car?.
- Melinda Rockett: is an Australian Native Rights advocate, best known for her work pushing for Aboriginal rights in the Northern Territory.
- Trini Rockett: is a Venezuelan actor, best known for roles in films such as La Reina and El Kasa.
- Vic Rockett: is a former American college football player, playing for the University of Arkansas.
- Rebecca Rockett: is an English model, best known for her modelling work with Wilhelmina Models and Elite Model Management.